Navigating Free Periods: Student Perspectives on Teacher Absences

By Reece Williams (Sophomore)

It seems that nearly all students at Obama Academy, in middle school math classes and high school steel drums classes, have by now noticed the increasing number of free periods resulting from teachers taking sick leave or retiring. These periods are either replaced with other classes or labeled as study halls. For the students who haven’t had their class replaced, it seems they all have different thoughts on the time they have, and the way they use it. 

When interviewing Sophomore Iragi Devine who is in the steel drums class, it was clear she favored the free period. “Honestly I enjoy the teacher not being here because it’s a study hall for me. Mostly I study if I have work in a different class, if I don’t I just chill and relax.” Similar to several other students, Iragi checks into her coverage class before heading to the library for a more conducive work environment. The only complaint she had about the free period was, “you have to find out where the coverage is, which can be difficult.”

Although some students are happy about the empty periods, not every student is enthusiastic about the extra time they have. “I feel like it’s a waste of a class period,” sophomore Isaac Werner expressed. “A lot of the time I take a nap or I will procrastinate doing my work,” he added. Isaac is among the many sophomores enrolled in the steel drums class.  Isaac’s and many other students’ experience highlights the challenge of staying productive during these unanticipated free periods.

The presence of increasing free periods at Obama Academy due to teacher absences has become a noticeable aspect of students’ experiences across various classes. While some, like Iragi Devine, view these breaks as valuable opportunities for study and relaxation, others, such as Isaac Werner, perceive them as unproductive.